Judith Chalmers, the beloved presenter of ITV’s Wish You Were Here…?, has died at the age of 90 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her family confirmed that she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday.
In a statement, her family said: “After living an extraordinary life that involved over 60 years in broadcasting and countless adventures all over the globe, Judy sadly passed away last night, surrounded by the family she loved so much after suffering with Alzheimer’s for some years. We will miss her greatly but she leaves behind a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories.”
Dementia UK also expressed their condolences, urging families affected by dementia to seek support from their specialist helpline. Chalmers was awarded an OBE in 1994 for her services to broadcasting and travel journalism. She began her career aged 13 on BBC Northern Children’s Hour and went on to host Come Dancing, Good Afternoon, Woman’s Hour, and Family Favourites before becoming synonymous with the travel series Wish You Were Here…?, which she fronted from 1974 to 2003.
In 2008, she made headlines by revealing on Loose Women that she never wore knickers while presenting the show to avoid visible panty lines. She is survived by her husband, former sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith, their two children, and six grandchildren.
